YREKA – When Siski-you County native Zachary Taylor was a law enforcement Explorer during his teen years, he accompanied Yreka Police Department officers on many ride-alongs. Determined to serve and protect, he was hopeful that one day, he would don a badge and join the department to serve the citizens of Yreka.

On Wednesday, his aspirations came to fruition when he was sworn in as a Yreka Police Department officer.

Department officers and chief Brian Bowles, Yreka mayor David Simmen, Yreka city manager Steve Baker as well as other city employees gathered at city hall by the flagpole for the swearing-in ceremony.

“We are very grateful that Officer Taylor has joined the Yreka Police Department,” said Simmen.

Bowles noted that due to funding challenges, Taylor is the first officer to be recruited by the department in five years. Taylor’s interest in law enforcement began when he was a teen. He participated in the law enforcement Explorer program, and he mentored youth in the local D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) camp.

A 2007 Yreka High School graduate, Taylor enlisted in the Marine Corps. He served four years of active duty, which included two combat tours – one in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. Following his service, he enrolled in the College of the Redwoods Police Academy in Humboldt County, where he graduated in March.

During his first few months on the job, Taylor will participate in field training prior to being assigned his first shift.

“I look forward to giving back to the community and making their concerns mine,” Taylor commented.

Bowles noted that Taylor is the first combat veteran to be recruited by the department in more than 20 years and is the most qualified of all those who applied for the department’s vacant position.

As a former Marine himself, Bowles commented that the life experience one gains from serving in the Marine Corps is excellent preparation for the rigors of a career in law enforcement. In addition, Taylor is from Yreka, and he is vested in the community.

“I am really excited to have Zachary in the police department,” commented Bowles. “He has had an interest in law enforcement for many years; I observed it 10 years ago. He knows the ins and outs of this city.”